2014-05-08: Chad Gerrety – WCU College Sports and Community

May 8th, 2014 by Scott Baker

Chad Gerrety (left in photo), the Assistant Athletic Director at Western Carolina University, was the featured speaker at a recent lunchtime meeting of the Sylva Rotary Club. Gerrety spoke about the positive effects of college sports on a community. A study conducted by the university showed that a single football game against Georgia Southern in 2006 had a positive economic impact of approximately $776,000 on the Sylva and Jackson County economies. Gerrety encouraged local fans to come out and attend upcoming sporting events at WCU. Large home crowds help teams succeed; successful teams draw more out-of-town fans; and out-of-town fans boost the local economy through their patronage at hotels, restaurants and retail establishments. Pictured with Gerrety is Sylva Rotary Club President, Kenny Nicholson.